Bows and Arrows – Psalm 11
This psalm is interesting because it uses competing terms. It starts on an offbeat as there is no introduction to the conversation he is having with God. It may indeed be a continuation of the preceding one where he asks God to intervene. God tells David to “flee as a bird to your mountain”. “How can I do that?”, David answers, “The wicked will shoot me down!” He uses word pictures of bows and arrows, instruments of war and hunting that he knows well.
Bows and Arrows
Throughout the Psalms, he uses these picture tools in both positive and negative ways. In this passage, it refers to the wicked ending his life, though curiously, the passage after verse two no longer refers to him directly. It is an interesting technique, which was seen before and will be again. He talks about his good traits but never comes out directly and calls himself righteous. Maybe he hopes God will notice and give him credit. He uses the word pictures of bows and arrows in a positive way, such as in Psalm 127:4, 5. He describes a noble father blessed by having children, a quiver full. One can then read either word picture and understand David’s meaning.
After that break in thought, he contrasts the wicked with the righteous. He makes a strong point that God’s preference is the righteous. It is again curious that in the passages reviewed, there is never a suggestion of conversion and salvation for the wicked. One could assume that it was not an option from his viewpoint. He was in such a bad state because of them. Another thought is that the wicked themselves had given up on an opportunity to repent.
This second view is more consistent throughout Scripture. God wants “all men to be saved (I Timothy 2:3,4)”. Jesus died to save all (John 3:16, 17). It appears though, that after this offer of forgiveness, once one is “labeled” as wicked, the case is closed.
Prayer
Holy God, please save us when You come. Help us decide today and each day to stand on the side of righteousness. You gave us grace and mercy, please give us strength and courage to decide for You. We ask this in Jesus’ name, amen.
I pray this post blessed you. Please like, comment, share, and subscribe. If you would like prayer or further Bible study, please contact me at https://awr.org/inspire/?dm=4556
Intercessor – Psalm 10
David makes grand statements in this chapter. He may refer to himself, perhaps some injustice that was done to him, but more than likely, as an intercessor, he refers to injustice done to someone else. In reading the complete passage, he casts a broad sweep against those that have done ill toward the disadvantaged. It is a theme seen throughout the Old Testament and echoed in the New. It is something that God has proven Himself to have little tolerance. Perhaps in this instance, God has delayed His justice and quieted His anger against a particular or consistent pattern of mistreatment.
David, the Intercessor
David then takes the opportunity to not only identify the concern, but defines the wicked. Nothing overlooked, nothing omitted. Whereas, in chapter one, one had to figure out who the righteous compared to the wicked were, here David leaves no room for doubt. As before, there is no context for his outcry, but that doesn’t limit his appeal to God. Davids stands as an intercessor beckoning God to take notice and do something. David is not seeking a slap on the wrist. He calls for God to shed blood and inflict pain.
This becomes David’s method, as seen in portions of the history books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles. There, David sometimes avenges a poor mistreated soul with capital punishment. However, this strikes back at him one day when Nathan the prophet presents a case to him. He later finds that his declared justice stares him in the face. In chapter 10, as prior cases, however, he appeals to God to be the judge and to execute justice based on the issue for which David intercedes.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we know we all have sinned and remain sinners. Through Your intercession on our behalf, we can accept Your mercy and your grace and become free of guilt and shame. Make us an intercessor for others rather than condemn them. Help us lead someone to You. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
I pray this post has blessed you. Please like, share, and subscribe. If you would like further Bible study or have prayer requests, please contact me at https://awr.org/inspire/?dm=4556